Skopje 2014 is the comprehensive program to restore and develop central Skopje that seems to be always in the news, with comments rising to a fever pitch after the release of a video presentation of the project in February of this year. Skopje 2014 includes massive plans for new construction, renovation, and decoration of public spaces that is destined to reshape the public face of central Skopje, and is readily visible through the ongoing works-in-progress mostly around Macedonia Square. It seems that there isn’t anyone without a strong opinion about its merits.
On the positive side, Skopje 2014 is the kind of big plan that has the potential to really do great things for Skopje. Of course the construction projects generate employment and the end products create useful space, but something on this grand scale is intended to do a lot more. In remaking the city center, the government hopes to revitalize the city, generate excitement about the urban space, and build up Macedonian national identity and self-esteem. Proponents claim that it will endow the city with noteworthy buildings and spaces which will reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the nation, and which the government hopes will earn the city a new reputation among the great cities of Europe.
On the negative side, lack of transparency in the development process and myopic focus on the area south of the Vardar are a source of tension and distrust. An Albanian politician reportedly said, “only one monument is missing at the square — a wall to mark formally the border between the Albanians and Macedonians.”
Other opponents have argued against the aesthetics of the project and the apparent desire to construct a platform through which to “aggrandize” Macedonian history. They question the wisdom of a building plan employing what might be called a jumble of borrowed styles, rather than seeking a fresh, new image to represent 21st century Skopje. Some worry that the consequences of building an “instant” mixture of styles will leave the city soulless and confused.
There is no doubt that this is a highly politicized issue. The VMRO-DPMNE considers this an important part of their mandate to modernize the country, develop the economy and reaffirm Macedonian national identity. Opposition parties see it as a slap in the face for all minorities, and the Albanians have taken particular offense. Greater sensitivity from the ruling party through process transparency and a voice for outside participation would almost certainly be helpful to alleviate some of the concerns.
Skopje 2014 includes over 40 specific objects, including many new buildings for state institutions, cultural sights, the performing arts and commercial space. You can see our “complete” list in a separate post. Some of the more controversial objects are the Macedonia triumphal arch leading into Pella Square , a proposed new Macedonian Orthodox church on Macedonia Square, and a fountain at the center of Macedonia Square topped by a 22 meter tall statue of Alexander the Great.
Regardless of what others may have to say, the government is determined to complete this capital project, and they don’t appear willing to listen to anyone who opposes them.
In July the Constitutional Court decided that some 19 of the objects were added illegally to the city plan and ordered that construction be stopped. Prime Minister Gruevski declared almost immediately that the court decision would be ignored, making it clear to all observers that the ruling party intends to have its way.
In any case, so many of the objects are under construction already that it would be a tremendous waste of resources to attempt significant changes now. Perhaps the best the opposition parties can hope for is influence on follow up projects, or extensions of the plan to incorporate other parts of the city.
One item that is still locked in the shadows is the overall cost of the project. The official figure is about 80 million euros, but private estimates run upwards of 200 million Euros. We think the final tab could be significantly higher still.
In the end most if not all of Skopje 2014 is likely to be completed, and will bring more benefit than burden to the city and the nation. The real pay off will be in creating a revived center that is lovelier, more diverse, more functional, more expressive of the rich history and culture of its people, and more interesting for visitors and residents alike. Despite shortcomings and valid criticisms about the process of getting to this point, here we are, and the city should maximize the value of its investment.
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